Investigating the Link Between ADHD and Migraines

Headaches are something everyone experiences throughout daily life and can be brought on by various factors including, dehydration, tiredness, and overstimulation, and varying in severity, however, those who have suffered a migraine will understand the difference between the two. Migraines can be debilitating and can often occur with more than just a pain in the head.

Recent studies have shown that people with ADHD tend to suffer from migraines more than those without the condition but it’s difficult to understand the reasons why. Let’s take a look at just what migraines are and how those with ADHD may be affected by the condition. 

Migraines: Not Just Your Average Headache

A variety of factors can cause headaches and can vary in type, including tension headaches, cluster headaches, rebound headaches, and migraine, with the most common being tension and migraine. It is thought that around 12% of the population suffers from migraine, with a higher prevalence among females. 

Migraines can often be debilitating. They are a severe and long-term health condition that can become a whole-body experience with symptoms including obvious head pain, sight problems including seeing flashes, and extreme sensitivity to light, sounds and smells, but also fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

There are 2 types of migraine:

• Migraine with Aura – this type of migraine is thought to affect around a third of those who suffer from migraines, with the aura being the part of the migraine that acts as a warning sign that a migraine is going to hit. The aura may involve speaking impairments, feeling off-balance or dizzy, experiencing blind spots, seeing zigzags or flashing lights, numbness or tingling, and even a loss of consciousness.

• Migraine without Aura – this type is thought to affect around two-thirds of those who suffer from migraines and typically includes head pain, as well as the symptoms mentioned above. However, the lack of aura can make the onset of the migraine unpredictable.

Why Do People with ADHD Suffer Migraines More Often?

Although the prevalence of migraines in those who suffer from ADHD is not fully understood, there are determining factors that often come into play. Genetics and environmental factors are the most common, however, there are treatments that can help lessen the effects of a migraine, including some ADHD medications. Methylphenidate has been known to reduce the frequency of migraines and also supplements such as magnesium.

The Link Between ADHD and Migraines

It is now common knowledge that migraines occur more frequently in those who suffer from psychiatric disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, including emerging evidence of an association between ADHD and migraine. Recent population studies have reported an increased risk of headaches in people with ADHD and even mothers of children with ADHD, the below factors also come into play.

Dopamine Dysregulation.

Dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with reward and mood regulation, is often dysregulated in those with ADHD. However, it also plays a role in pain perception, leading some professionals to believe that abnormalities in dopamine pathways could contribute to both ADHD and migraine.

Genetics.

Both ADHD and migraine may share a genetic link as studies have shown that both conditions can run in families and a gene related to dopamine regulation, which is the neurotransmitter implicated in ADHD, may also play a role in the onset of migraines.

Cortical Hyperexcitability.

This term refers to the increased responsiveness of neurons in the brain to stimuli. A heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli is common in those with ADHD, however, it has also been observed in those who suffer from migraines. This heightened neural response could make people more prone to migraines whilst also influencing the symptoms of ADHD.

Triggers to Look Out For with ADHD

For those who suffer from migraine, it is common for triggers such as stress to bring about the onset of an episode, however, stress is something that unfortunately comes along with ADHD, especially when left untreated. Changes or inconsistency in routine can also be a trigger for a migraine attack, however, if you have ADHD then keeping a consistent routine is difficult, which might mean that migraine attacks are triggered more frequently. Sleep problems are also highly prevalent in people with ADHD which can also trigger migraine and regular eating and drinking are also missed due to hyper-focus and difficulty with organisation, which can also impact the onset of a migraine. 

Beyond Clinics: Comprehensive ADHD Assessments for Adults

We are a private ADHD clinic in Manchester, with a team of experienced clinical professionals, offering comprehensive ADHD assessment for adults and children. We understand just what’s it like living with ADHD, as we are founded by a team of people who have ADHD and therefore walk the path on a daily basis.

We can offer a full ADHD assessment and diagnosis in just 4 weeks, along with follow-up care and medication if needed.

Contact us today for a confidential chat, and let’s see how we can help you.